Electric shaver with imaging capability

ABSTRACT

System and method for improving the shaving experience by providing improved visibility of the skin shaving area. A digital camera is integrated with the electric shaver for close image capturing of shaving area, and displaying it on a display unit. The display unit can be integral part of the electric shaver casing, or housed in a separated device which receives the image via a communication channel. The communication channel can be wireless (using radio, audio or light) or wired, such as dedicated cabling or using powerline communication. A light source is used to better illuminate the shaving area. Video compression and digital image processing techniques are used for providing for improved shaving results. The wired communication medium can simultaneously be used also for carrying power from the electric shaver assembly to the display unit, or from the display unit to the electric shaver.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to electric shavers havingelectronic imaging functions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Razors are known as a bladed tool primarily used in the shaving off ofunwanted body hair. Electric shavers are known as an alternative torazors for removal of hair and/or slicing hair down to the level of theskin. Such shavers are commonly used by men to remove their facial hair(such as beard, mustache and whiskers) and by women to remove their leg,underarm and other hair. Electric shavers, also known as ‘electricrazors’ or ‘electric dry shavers’, commonly include of a set ofoscillating or rotating blades, which are held behind a perforated metalfoil that prevents the blades from coming into contact with the skin. Insome designs a rotary type of shaver is used, wherein the blades arecircular having a circular motion, while other shavers use oscillatingblades. Blade movement is powered by a small DC motor, commonly poweredby rechargeable batteries. Some electric shavers are plugged directlyinto an AC outlet to be powered therefrom.

FIG. 1 shows an example of an electric shaver 10 using a straightcutting mechanism. Front view 12 of the shaver 10 shows a foil 15covering the blades, an on/off switch 16 and an enclosure 17. View 11 isa side view and view 19 is a rear view of the shaver 10. View 13 is atop view of the foil 15 which is usually in contact with the skin andthe hair. View 14 is a bottom view showing a connector 18 for connectingto a power source, such as AC power 115 VAC/60 Hz (as in North America)or 220 VAC/50 Hz common in Europe. The shaver 10 parts are supported inan enclosure 17, which may be an integrally molded body frame. Thecasing enclosing the frame and supported parts can be molded of plasticor can be a sheet metal body, or any other suitable synthetic resinmaterial. The enclosure 17, which is commonly hand-held, is shown as arectangular, ‘box-like’ enclosure having four walls, which is commonlyused with straight cutting systems. Cylindrical cases are also known andcommonly used with rotary-type electric shavers.

FIG. 2 illustrates schematically a simplified general block diagram ofan electric shaver powered by a battery or cell. The battery 24 powers aDC electric motor 26, which is mechanically coupled via mechanicalcoupling 27 for driving power to rotate or oscillate blades included ina cutter mechanism 28, thus cutting the hair via a foil such as foil 15shown in FIG. 1. The coupling 27 may be a shaft or a transmission gear.An on/off switch 25 (corresponding to the switch 16 in FIG. 1) allowsthe user to start and stop the operation of the electrical shaver. Inmany designs the battery 24 used is a rechargeable battery such as anickel-cadmium battery. In such a case, a battery charger 23 employedfor charging the battery while not in use. The battery charger or powersupply 23 is commonly fed by domestic AC power through AC plug 21 andcord 22, and commonly includes a step-down transformer. The chargingassociated components, such as the charger 23, the AC plug 21, and thecable 22, are housed in a separate enclosure, and connected via aconnector (such as jack socket or receptacle 18 in FIG. 1) to theelectric shaver assembly, housing the electric cell or cells 24, themotor 26 and the cutting mechanism 28). In the case of only AC-poweredshavers (without battery), the battery 24 is not used and the powersupply 23 directly feeds the motor 26.

Good visibility of the skin surface involved with the shaving isessential for quick, convenient, easy and effective shaving. In manycases, such as in a facial shaving, direct eye-contact during shavingcannot be made, and a mirror needs to be used. However, a mirror may notbe available in all locations. Further, in the case of a foggy or darkenvironment, the image in the mirror cannot be seen well. Further, thehand holding the shaver and the shaver unit itself may hide andinterfere with the required image of the shaving area.

An electric shaver containing a microcomputer and display means isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,274,735 to Okada entitled: “ElectricShaver”. In addition, an electric shaver including a display and lightreceiving means is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,920,988 to Momoseentitled: “Electric Shaver”.

In consideration of the foregoing, it would be an advancement in the artto provide a method and system that is simple, cost-effective, faithful,reliable, has a minimum part count, minimum hardware, or uses existingand available components allowing convenient or better visualization ofthe skin during shaving, and in particular the shaving area. Suchvisualization may aid a person in determining how to adjust theirshaving to produce the best shave. The shaving area refers to the skinsurface area that is of interest to user for shaving, either required tobe shaved, under shaving or after being shaved.

Furthermore, it would be highly advantageous to have a method and systemproviding a close, better and easier shaving experience by allowing abetter viewing of the skin that is about to be shaved or was alreadyshaved, preferably without the need of a mirror, under a darkenvironment, or under a condition where sufficient light is notprovided. This will allow the user of the electric shaver to havereal-time feedback on the shaving activity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a method and apparatus for usingdigital imaging or digital photography of the shaving area is described.Digital camera functionality is added to an portably hand-held housingof an electric shaver, allowing the shaving area image (either as stillimage or as video) to be captured, stored, manipulated and displayed ona display unit. The image capturing hardware is integrated with theelectric shaver, and the image captured is reconstructed faithfully anddisplayed on a display unit for the user to view. The shavingimprovement can benefit human hair removal such as facial or leg hairremoval.

The image capturing hardware integrated with the electric shavercontains a photographic lens (through a lens opening) focusing therequired image onto an image sensor. The image is converted into adigital format by an image sensor AFE (Analog Front End) and an imageprocessor. The display unit uses a display interface to convert thedigital image to a signal suitable to be displayed on the screen of thedisplay.

In another aspect of the present invention, the display unit isintegrated with the electric shaver. The display can be of a flip type,wherein the screen can be extended for user view only when required, andfolded otherwise.

In another aspect of the present invention, the display unit is aseparate device housed within a separate enclosure. The digital datarepresenting the captured image is transmitted over a communicationmedium to the display unit. The display unit receives the digital datafrom the communication medium and displays it. In this scenario, theelectric shaver includes a transmitter (or a transceiver) fortransmitting the digital data to the communication medium, and thedisplay unit includes a receiver (or a transceiver) for receiving thedigital data from the communication medium. In one aspect according tothe invention, the video signal is carried in an analog form over thecommunication medium, respectively using an analog transmitter and ananalog receiver.

The communication between the electric shaver assembly and the displayunit can be non-conductive over-the-air wireless, using radio, audio orlight based communication, and use various WLAN, WPAN and othertechnologies. The wireless communication may use a spread-spectrumsignal such as multi-carrier (e.g. OFDM, DMT and CDMA), or a singlecarrier (narrow-band) signal. Each of the wireless signals or thewireless communication links above may be WPAN, WLAN, WMAN, WAN, BWA,LMDS, MMDS, WiMAX, HIPERMAN, IEEE802.16, Bluetooth, IEEE802.15,IEEE802.11 (such as a, b and g), UWB, ZigBee and cellular such as GSM,GPRS, 2.5G, 3G, UMTS, DCS, PCS and CDMA. Similarly, each of thefrequency bands above may be part of the ISM frequency bands.

Further, such communication can use a conductive medium such as cablesor wires, or any other metallic medium. Standard PAN or LAN cabling andprotocols may be used, such as Ethernet 10/100/1000BaseT. In oneembodiment, powerline communication is used wherein the AC power wiringis used as the communication medium.

In another aspect of the present invention, a lossy or non-lossycompression of the image information is used for reducing the memorysize and reducing the data rate required for the transmission over thecommunication medium. In this configuration, video compressionfunctionality is added to the shaver, and a video de-compressor is addedto the display unit for reconstructing the original signal.

In another aspect of the present invention, one or more light sourcesare added for better illumination of the photographed area or theshaving area.

In another aspect of the present invention, multiple image capturingmechanisms are used, each containing a lens and image sensor, allowingfor capturing of larger shaving area. In one embodiment, each such imagecapturing can be mounted on a different wall or side of the electricshaver. In one embodiment, the lens is mounted in the cutter side of theshaver, which is in direct contact with the skin surface during shaving.

In another aspect of the present invention, digital image processing isused to analyze the captured image and notify the user (on the displayor otherwise) of the results of such analysis. Individual hairs as wellas hairy areas can be identified and marked.

In another aspect of the present invention, zooming and still imagecapturing features are provided, as well as other features commonlyassociated with still digital cameras and video cameras such ascamcorders. Other controls such as brightness may also be provided.

In another aspect of the present invention, various controls areprovided to the user by means of buttons and switches located as part ofthe electric shaver, or as part of the display unit or in both. Variousvisual indicators can also be employed.

In another aspect of the present invention, the camera added hardware inthe shaver is powered from the same power source as the shaver itself,such as a battery (either primary or rechargeable) or from a domestic ACpower. Similarly, the display unit may be powered locally from a batteryor from the AC power. Further, the cable connecting between the electricshaver and the display unit (for example serving as the communicationmedium) can also be used to concurrently carry power either from theshaver to power the display unit or from the display unit to power theelectric shaver unit.

In another aspect of the present invention, a single cable is used toconnect the display unit with the electric shaver. The cablesimultaneously carries both the communication signal for displaying thecaptured image on the display, and a power signal. The power signal canbe fed from the display unit to power the electric shaver and its cameramodule, or alternately fed from the shaver to power the display unit.Carrying both the power and data signals over the same cable can makeuse of distinct separated wire sets, each set dedicated to one type of asignal. Alternatively, the same wires can carry both signals each over adifferent frequency band (FDM) or using phantom technique.

In another aspect of the present invention, the captured image istransmitted from the electric shaver using a standard analog or digitalvideo interface, thus allowing the displaying of the video on standardand common video equipment.

One aspect of the present invention involves an electrically operatedhair removing device for removing hair from a skin area, containing acasing, the casing further including a camera module for imaging atleast part of the skin area, the camera module containing an opticallens for focusing received light mechanically oriented to guide theimage of at least part of the skin area, a photosensitive image sensorarray disposed approximately at an image focal point plane of theoptical lens for capturing the image and producing electronic imageinformation representing the image, and an analog to digital (A/D)converter coupled to the image sensor for generating digital datarepresentation of the image. The image sensor may be based onCharge-Coupled Devices (CCD) or Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor(CMOS). The device may further contain an electric motor and a cutterdriven by the motor, and may be power fed from a battery that isrechargeable or a primary type.

Further, the device may be operative to transmit the image digital datarepresentation over a communication medium, and in such case may containa port for coupling a signal to the communication medium, an imageprocessor coupled to the analog to digital converter and for generatinga digital data video signal carrying a digital data video according to adigital video format, and a transmitter coupled between the port and theimage processor for transmitting the digital data video signal to thecommunication medium. The digital video format may be based on one outof: TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), RAW format, AVI, DV, MOV, WMV, MP4,DCF (Design Rule for Camera Format), ITU-T H.261, ITU-T H.263, ITU-TH.264, ITU-T CCIR 601, ASF, Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format) andDPOF (Digital Print Order Format) standards. Further, the device may beoperative to compress the digital data video, and in such a case mayfurther contain a video compressor coupled between the analog to digital(A/D) converter and the transmitter for compressing the digital datavideo before transmission to the communication medium. The compressionmay be based on intraframe or interframe compression, and can further belossy or non-lossy compression. The communication over the communicationmedium may be half-duplex or full-duplex, and the device may furthercontain a receiver coupled to the port for receiving information fromthe communication medium.

In the case of using compression, the compression is based on a standardcompression algorithm that is one or more out of JPEG (JointPhotographic Experts Group) and MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group),ITU-T H.261, ITU-T H.263, ITU-T H.264 and ITU-T CCIR 601. For example,the compression can be based on ADV212 JPEG 2000 Video Codec, availablefrom Analog Devices, Inc., from Norwood, Mass., U.S.A.

In one aspect of the invention the device casing further contains abattery, and the camera module is power fed from the battery. In analternative solution, the device is operative to be powered from ACpower, thus further contains an AC power plug for connecting to an ACpower outlet for AC power feeding therefrom, and a power supplyconnected to the AC power plug to be power fed by the AC power, and thecamera module is connected to be powered from the power supply. Thepower supply may include a step-down transformer and an AC/DC converterfor DC powering the camera module.

In one aspect of the invention, the device further contains a displayfor displaying the captured image, the display may be mechanicallyattached to the casing and coupled to the analog to digital converterfor visual displaying of the image representation. Further, the devicemay include a standard analog video interface, and in such a case thetransmitter is an analog video driver, the analog video interface may besubstantially based on one or more out of NTSC, PAL or SECAM formats,analog RGB and S-video, and the port is a coaxial or a RF connector.Alternatively, a standard digital video interface is employed, whereinthe transmitter is a digital video driver and the port is a digital dataconnector. The digital video interface may be substantially based on oneor more out of USB, SDI (Serial Digital Interface), FireWire, HDMI(High-Definition Multimedia Interface), DVI (Digital Visual Interface),UDI (Unified Display Interface), DisplayPort, Digital Component Videoand DVB.

In one aspect of the invention, the communication medium is free airpropagation of electromagnetic radio-frequency waves, and the port is anantenna for transmitting the wireless signal to the air, wherein thetransceiver is a wireless transceiver. Such wireless communication andthe wireless signal may be based on standard WPAN (Wireless PersonalArea Network) or WLAN (Wireless Local area Network) technologies, andmay substantially conform to at least one of the following standards:WMAN, WAN, BWA, LMDS, MMDS, WiMAX, HIPERMAN, IEEE802.16, Bluetooth,IEEE802.15, UWB (Ultra-Wide-band), ZigBee, cellular, IEEE802.11,WirelessHD, GSM, GPRS, 2.5G, 3G, UMTS, DCS, PCS and CDMA.

In one aspect of the invention, the communication medium is a wiredmedium, the port is a connector, and the transmitter is a wiredtransmitter adapted to transmit digital data to the wired medium. Thecommunication over the wired medium may be according to a wired PAN(Personal Area Network) or a LAN (Local area Network) standard, and mayfurther be based on serial or parallel transmission. For example, thewired medium may be a LAN cable substantially according to EIT/TIA-568or EIA/TIA-570 containing a UTP (unshielded Twisted Pair) or STP(Shielded Twisted Pair). In such case the connector is an RJ-45 type,and the communication over the cable may substantially conform toIEEE802.3 Ethernet 10BaseT or 100BaseTX or 1000BaseT, and thetransmitter may be a LAN transceiver. In an alternative aspect, thewired transmitter and the connector substantially conform to one out ofIEEE1394, USB (Universal Serial Bus), EIA/TIA-232 and IEEE1284.

In one aspect of the invention, the communication medium is a cable, theport is a connector, and the transmitter is a wired transmitter adaptedto transmit digital data to the wired medium. Further, the cableconcurrently carries a power signal, and the device is at least in partpowered from the power signal. The power signal may be a DC (DirectCurrent) power signal, or an AC (Alternating Current) power signal. Thecable may contain multiple insulated wires, and the power signal may becarried over dedicated wires distinct from the wires carrying thecommunication signal. In the case wherein the cable contains multipleinsulated wires, and the wires are used to simultaneously carry bothpower and communication signals, the power and communication signals arecarried over the same wires. In such a case the power may be a DC powercarrying over a phantom channel over the wires. For example, the cablemay be a LAN cable substantially according to EIT/TIA-568 or EIA/TIA-570and containing UTP or STP twisted-pairs, the connector may be RJ-45type, the communication over the cable may substantially conform toIEEE802.3 Ethernet 10BaseT, 100BaseTX, or 1000BaseT, the transmitter maybe a LAN transceiver, and the power may be carried over the cablesubstantially according to IEEE802.3af or IEEE802.3 at standards.

Alternatively, the power and communication signals may be carried overthe same wires using Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), wherein thepower signal is carried over a power frequency, and wherein thecommunication signal is carried over a communication frequency banddistinct and above the power frequency. In this case, the device mayfurther include a low pass filter coupled between the connector and thetransmitter for substantially passing only the power frequency, forpowering the transmitter from the power signal. Such device may alsofurther include a high pass filter coupled between the connector and thetransmitter for substantially passing only the communication frequencyband, for passing the communication signal between the connector and thetransmitter. In the case where power is AC power, the connector may bean AC power plug for connecting to AC power wiring, and the transmittermay be part of a powerlines modem, such as HomePlug or UPB.

In one aspect of the invention, the device further contains anadditional optical lens for focusing received light mechanicallyoriented to guide the image of at least part of the skin area, anadditional photosensitive image sensor array disposed approximately atan image focal point plane of the additional optical lens for capturingthe image and producing additional electronic image informationrepresenting the image, and an additional analog to digital (A/D)converter coupled to the additional image sensor for generating anadditional digital data representation of the image. The device mayfurther include a multiplexer coupled to the analog to digitalconverters for generating a multiplexed signal containing the digitaldata representation of the images, a port for coupling a signal to thecommunication medium, and a transmitter coupled between the port and theimage processor for transmitting the multiplexed signal to thecommunication medium.

In one aspect of the invention, the device further contains a digitalimage processor for processing the digital data representation of theimage. The digital image processor may be operative to identifyindividual hair or a hairy area in the captured image, and the devicemay be further operative to generate a digital data representation ofthe image wherein the individual hairs or the hairy area are marked.

In one aspect of the invention, the device further includes a lightsource for providing an illumination. The light source may bemechanically mounted for illumination of at least part of the skin areacaptured by the optical lens and image sensor, and can be an LED (LightEmitting Diode).

The above summary is not an exhaustive list of all aspects of thepresent invention. Indeed, the inventor contemplates that his inventionincludes all systems and methods that can be practiced from all suitablecombinations and derivatives of the various aspects summarized above, aswell as those disclosed in the detailed description below andparticularly pointed out in the claims filed with the application. Suchcombinations have particular advantages not specifically recited in theabove summary.

It is understood that other embodiments of the present invention willbecome readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the followingdetailed description, wherein are shown and described only embodimentsof the invention by way of illustration. As will be realized, theinvention is capable of other and different embodiments and its severaldetails are capable of modification in various other respects, allwithout departing from the scope of the present invention as defined bythe claims. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to beregarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

The above and other features and advantages of the present inventionwill become more fully apparent from the following description, drawingsand appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the inventionas set forth hereinafter. It is intended that all such additionalapparatus and advantages be included within this description, be withinthe scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanyingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above recited and other advantagesand features of the invention are obtained, a more particulardescription of the invention briefly described above will be rendered byreference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in theappended figures and drawings. The invention is herein described, by wayof non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying figuresand drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.Understanding that these drawings only provide information concerningtypical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to beconsidered limiting in scope:

FIG. 1 illustrates schematically views of a prior-art electric shaver;

FIG. 2 illustrates schematically a simplified general functional blockdiagram of a prior art electric shaver;

FIG. 3 illustrates schematically a simplified general functional blockdiagram of an electric shaver according to the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates schematically a simplified general functional blockdiagram of a display unit according to the invention;

FIGS. 5 and 5 a illustrate schematically views of an electric shaveraccording to the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates schematically a system including an electric shaverand a display unit according to the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates schematically a human male facial shaving using anelectric shaver and a display unit according to the invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates schematically a human female leg shaving using anelectric shaver and a display unit according to the invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates schematically a simplified general functional blockdiagram of an electric shaver according to the invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates schematically a simplified general functional blockdiagram of a display unit according to the invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates schematically a system including an electric shaverand a display unit according to the invention;

FIG. 11a illustrates schematically a human male facial shaving using anelectric shaver and a display unit according to the invention;

FIG. 11b illustrates schematically a human female leg shaving using anelectric shaver and a display unit according to the invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates schematically a simplified general functional blockdiagram of an electric shaver according to the invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates schematically views of an electric shaver accordingto the invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates schematically a simplified general functional blockdiagram of an electric shaver according to the invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates schematically a simplified general functional blockdiagram of a display unit according to the invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates schematically a system including an electric shaverand a display unit according to the invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates schematically views displayed on the display unitaccording to the invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates schematically views displayed on the display unitaccording to the invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates schematically views displayed on the display unitaccording to the invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates schematically a simplified general functional blockdiagram of an electric shaver according to the invention;

FIG. 21 illustrates schematically views of an electric shaver accordingto the invention;

FIG. 22 illustrates schematically views of an electric shaver accordingto the invention;

FIG. 23 illustrates schematically a simplified general functional blockdiagram of a display unit according to the invention;

FIG. 24 illustrates schematically a simplified general functional blockdiagram of an electric shaver according to the invention;

FIG. 25 illustrates schematically a system including an electric shaverand a display unit according to the invention.

FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of an electric shaver accordingto the invention; and

FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of an electric shaver accordingto the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The principles and operation of a network according to the presentinvention may be understood with reference to the figures and theaccompanying description wherein similar components appearing indifferent figures are denoted by identical reference numerals. Thedrawings and descriptions are conceptual only. In actual practice, asingle component can implement one or more functions; alternatively,each function can be implemented by a plurality of components andcircuits. In the figures and descriptions, identical reference numeralsindicate those components that are common to different embodiments orconfigurations. Identical numerical references (even in the case ofusing different suffix, such as 5, 5 a, 5 b and 5 c) refer to functionsor actual devices that are either identical, substantially similar orhaving similar functionality. It will be readily understood that thecomponents of the present invention, as generally described andillustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in awide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following moredetailed description of the embodiments of the apparatus, system, andmethod of the present invention, as represented in the figures herein,is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but ismerely representative of embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates schematically a simplified general block diagram ofan electric shaver including a digital camera module 31 according to oneembodiment of the invention. The digital camera module 31 functions toreceive visual information, such as the skin surface to be shaved, thatwas shaved, or the present shaving area, and interpret it as anelectronic video signal to be remotely displayed by a display unit. Thecamera module can take still photographs, video streams or both. Theelectric shaver 30 shown in FIG. 3 includes the electrical shaver 20described in FIG. 2, added with digital camera functionality 31.Preferably, the same enclosure (such as housing 17 shown in FIG. 1) isused to house both the electric shaver and the digital camera functions.Preferably, the electric shaver 30 will have the same ‘look and feel’ ofa common electric shaver.

The digital camera 31 includes lens 39 (or few lenses) for focusing thereceived light onto a small semiconductor sensor 32. The sensor 32commonly includes a panel with a matrix of tiny light-sensitive diodes(photocells), converting the image light to electric charges and then toelectric signals, thus creating a video picture or a still image byrecording the light intensity. Charge-Coupled Devices (CCD) and CMOS(Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) are commonly used as thelight-sensitive diodes. Linear or area arrays of light-sensitiveelements may be used, and the light sensitive sensors may supportmonochrome (black & white), color or both. For example, the CCD sensorKAI-2093 Image Sensor 1920 (H) X 1080 (V) Interline CCD Image Sensor orKAF-50100 Image Sensor 8176 (H) X 6132 (V) Full-Frame CCD Image Sensorcan be used, available from Image Sensor Solutions, Eastman KodakCompany, Rochester, N.Y.

An image processor block 46 receives the analog signal from the imagesensor. The Analog Front End (AFE) in the block 46 filters, amplifiesand digitizes the signal, using an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter.The AFE further provides correlated double sampling (CDS), and providesa gain control to accommodate varying illumination conditions. In thecase of CCD sensor 32, a CCD AFE (Analog Front End) component may beused between the digital image processor 46 and the sensor 32. Such anAFE may be based on VSP2560 ‘CCD Analog Front End for Digital Cameras’from Texas Instruments Incorporated of Dallas Tex., U.S.A. The block 46further contains a digital image processor, which receives the digitaldata from the ATE, and processes this digital representation of theimage to handle various industry-standards, and to execute variouscomputations and algorithms. Preferably, additional image enhancementsmay be performed by the block 46 such as generating greater pixeldensity or adjusting color balance, contrast and luminance. Further, theblock 46 may perform other data management functions and processing onthe raw digital image data. Commonly, the timing relationship of thevertical/horizontal reference signals and the pixel clock are alsohandled in this block. Digital Media System-on-Chip device TMS320DM357from Texas Instruments Incorporated of Dallas Tex., U.S.A. is an exampleof a device implementing in a single chip (and associated circuitry)part or all of the image processor 46, part or all of the videocompressor 33 and part or all of transceiver 34. In addition to a lensor lens system, color filters may be placed between the imaging opticsand the photosensor array to achieve desired color manipulation.

The block 46 converts the raw data received from the photosensor array32 into a color-corrected image in a standard image file format. Inorder to transmit the digital image to a remote display over acommunication medium 37 (which may contain a wired or non-wired medium),a transmitter or transceiver 34 is disposed between the medium 37 andthe image processor 46. The transceiver 34 also includes isolationmagnetic components (e.g. transformer-based), balancing, surgeprotection, and other suitable components required for providing aproper and standard interface via a port 38. In the case of connectingto a wired medium, the port 38 will contain a connector and the portfurther contains protection circuitry for accommodating transients,over-voltage and lightning, and any other protection means for reducingor eliminating the damage from an unwanted signal over the wired medium.A band pass filter may also be used for passing only the requiredcommunication signals, and rejecting or stopping other signals in thedescribed path. A transformer may be used for isolating and reducingcommon-mode interferences. Further a wiring driver and wiring receiversmay be used in order to transmit and receive the appropriate level ofsignal to and from the wired medium. An equalizer may also be used inorder to compensate for any frequency dependent characteristics of thewired medium. Further, the communication over the communication medium37 can be bi-directional, such as half-duplex or full-duplex, orone-way, wherein the shaver only transmits the image to the displayunit.

The port 38 couples to the communication medium 37, and may be aconnector in case of wired medium such as a cable or wires, or anantenna in the case of radio-frequency over-the-air wirelesstransmission.

A controller 35, located within the camera module 31, may be based on adiscrete logic or an integrated device, such as a processor,microprocessor or microcomputer, and may include a general-purposedevice or may be a special purpose processing device, such as an ASIC,PAL, PLA, PLD, Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Gate Array, orother customized or programmable device. In the case of a programmabledevice as well as in other implementations, a memory is required. Thecontroller 35 commonly includes a memory that may include a static RAM(random Access Memory), dynamic RAM, flash memory, ROM (Read OnlyMemory), or any other data storage medium. The memory may include data,programs, and/or instructions and any other software or firmwareexecutable by the processor. The control logic can be implemented inhardware or in software, such as a firmware stored in the memory. Thecontroller 35 controls and monitors the device operation, such asinitialization, configuration, interface and commands. The term“processor” is meant to include any integrated circuit or otherelectronic device (or collection of devices) capable of performing anoperation on at least one instruction including, without limitation,reduced instruction set core (RISC) processors, CISC microprocessors,microcontroller units (MCUs), CISC-based central processing units(CPUs), and digital signal processors (DSPs). The hardware of suchdevices may be integrated onto a single substrate (e.g., silicon “die”),or distributed among two or more substrates. Furthermore, variousfunctional aspects of the processor may be implemented solely assoftware or firmware associated with the processor.

Power to the digital camera module 31 is fed from the battery 24 viaon/off switch 25 a for its described functions such as for capturing,storing, manipulating, and transmitting the image. The battery 24 powerfeeds the power supply 36, which provides needed voltages to all thecamera module 31 components. The power supply 36 contains a DC/DCconverter. In another embodiment, the power supply 36 is power fed fromthe AC power supply via AC plug 21 and cord 22, and thus may include anAC/DC converter, for converting the AC power (commonly 115 VAC/60 Hz or220 VAC/50 Hz) into the required DC voltage or voltages. Such powersupplies are known in the art and typically involves converting 120 or240 volt AC supplied by a power utility company to a well-regulatedlower voltage DC for electronic devices. In one embodiment, powersupplies 36 and 23 are integrated into a single device or circuit, inorder to share common circuits. Further, the power supplies 36 and 23may include a boost converter, such as a buck boost converter, chargepump, inverter and regulators as known in the art, as required forconversion of one form of electrical power to another desired form andvoltage. While both power supplies 23 and 36 (either separated orintegrated) can be an integral part and housed within the shaverenclosure, they may be enclosed as a separate housing connected viacable to the shaver assembly. For example, a small outlet plug-instep-down transformer shape can be used (also known as wall-wart, “powerbrick”, “plug pack”, “plug-in adapter”, “adapter block”, “domestic mainsadapter”, “power adapter”, or AC adapter). Further, each of the powersupplies 23 and 36 may be a linear or switching type.

Various formats that can be used to represent the captured image areTIFF (Tagged Image File Format), RAW format, AVI, DV, MOV, WMV, MP4, DCF(Design Rule for Camera Format), ITU-T H.261, ITU-T H.263, ITU-T H.264,ITU-T CCIR 601, ASF, Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format), and DPOF(Digital Print Order Format) standards. In many cases, video data iscompressed before transmission, in order to allow its transmission overa reduced bandwidth transmission system. A video compressor 33 (or videoencoder) is shown in FIG. 3 disposed between the image processor 46 andthe transceiver 34, allowing for compression of the digital video signalbefore its transmission over the communication medium 37. In some casescompression will not be required, hence obviating the need for suchcompressor 33. Such compression can be lossy or lossless types. Commoncompression algorithms are JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) andMPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group). The above and other image or videocompression techniques can make use of intraframe compression commonlybased on registering the differences between part of single frame or asingle image. Interframe compression can further be used for videostreams, based on registering differences between frames. Other examplesof image processing include run length encoding and delta modulation.Further, the image can be dynamically dithered to allow the displayedimage to appear to have higher resolution and quality.

Single lens or a lens array 39 is positioned to collect optical energyrepresentative of a subject or a scenery, and to focus the opticalenergy onto the photosensor array 32. Commonly, the photosensor array 32is a matrix of photosensitive pixels, which generates an electric signalthat is representative of the optical energy that is directed at thepixel by the imaging optics. The image captured by the sensor 32 via thelens 39 is reconstructed and displayed in a display unit 40, which canbe a separated device located at a place convenient to look at whileshaving. FIG. 4 shows such a display unit 40. The signal transmitted bythe shaver/camera combined unit 30 is received from the communicationmedium 37 via the port 38. A receiver or transceiver 34 is compatiblewith the shaver transmitter (or transceiver) and receives the digitaldata signal and feeds it to a video de-compressor (or video decoder) 41.The original data is reconstructed and fed to a display interface 42,for feeding to a display 45. The display unit 40 is shown as being ACpower fed via AC plug 21 and cord 22, feeding in turn the power supply44, which may be similar or the same type as power supply 23, which inturn provides all required voltages required for the active componentsof the display unit 40. A controller 43, which may be the same orsimilar to controller 35 above is used to control and monitor the deviceoperation. The display 45 may be a digital or analog video display, andmay use technologies such as LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), TFT(Thin-Film Transistor), FED (Field Emission Display), CRT (Cathode RayTube) or any other electronic screen technology that visually showsinformation such as graphics or text. In many cases, an adaptor (notshown) is required in order to connect an analog display to the digitaldata. For example, the adaptor may convert to composite video (PAL,NTSC) or S-Video or HDTV signal. A user interface 48, coupled to thecontrol 43, may include various user operated switches to control thedisplay operation. Various user controls can be available to allow theuser to control and effect the display unit 40 operations, such as anon/off switch, a reset button and others. Other exemplary controlsinvolve display associated settings such as contrast, brightness andzoom.

FIG. 5 shows various views of an example of an electric shaver 60according to one embodiment of the invention, based on shaver 10 shownin FIG. 1. View 52 is a front view of the shaver 60, view 51 is a sideview, and view 50 is a rear view of the shaver 60. View 53 is a top viewof the foil 15, which is usually in contact with skin and hair, and view54 is a bottom view showing connector 18 for connecting to a powersource. Added to shaver 10, FIG. 5 shows a lens 55, which corresponds tothe lens 39 shown in FIG. 3. The lens 55 is housed and mechanicallysecured in a lens seating (or lens housing) 56, which is part of orsecured to the enclosure 17, and keeps the lens 55 protected, in place,and directed towards the face while shaving. The lens 55 focuses theimage onto a sensor 32 via an aperture in the shaver external enclosure.While the lens 55 and the related support 56 are shown located on therear of the shaver 60, it is apparent that they can be equally mountedon the front or on any one of the sides of the shaver 60. While theinvention is shown in FIG. 5 with respect to straight blades mechanism,it is apparent that the invention herein can equally apply to a rotarytype electric shaver. While the lens 55 and its corresponding seating 56are shown to protrude a little from the side of the shaver casing 17shown in FIG. 1, a recessed design wherein there is no such protrudingcan also be used. Preferably, the shaver with the camera module maypreserve the general look and design of a conventional shaver without acamera, allowing the user to easily migrate to using the newfunctionality.

FIG. 5 further shows various user controls that may be required for theproper operation of the combined shaver/camera 60. An ON/OFF switch 57corresponds to switch 25 a in FIG. 3, allowing the user to start or stopthe camera module 31 operations. Button ‘FREEZE’ 57 allows for capturingand freezing an image. Sliding button ‘ZOOM’ 59 allows the zoom controlof the camera operations.

While FIG. 5 above shows an example wherein the lens 55 is mounted onone of the sides of the shaver, in one embodiment the lens 55 is mountedon the top side of the shaver, as shown in views 68 in FIG. 5a . Thelens 55 mounted in base 56, is shown recessed as part of the shavingfoil, thus directly viewing the part that is shaved or about to beshaved.

A system 61 according to one embodiment of the invention includes bothelectric shaver 60 and display unit 63, as shown in FIG. 6. Display unit63 corresponds to unit 40 shown in FIG. 4. Cable 64 is shown to connectshaver 60 and display unit 63, serving as the communication medium 37(shown in FIG. 3) for transmitting the image as a video stream from theshaver 60 to the display 63. Display unit 63 is shown to be on a shelfin a bathroom, also containing a mirror 62, as is commonly available ina bathroom. The mirror 62 can supplement the view on the display 63 forbetter view of the skin shaving area.

System operation is exampled as view 70 in FIG. 7. The shaver 60 isshown used for facial shaving by a human male 71, and connected todisplay unit 63 via cable 64. The lens 55 in the electric shaver 60captures the surface area shown as 72, and transmits it to be displayedas image 73 in the display unit 63. The user can look at the display 73located in front of him, thus and easily and clearly track and see theshaving area to be shaved 72 and the shaving results.

While the invention has been exampled above with regard to human malefacial shaving, it is apparent that the invention can apply to any othertype of human shaving any part of the body skin. For example, hair legshaving of a female human is exampled as system 80 in FIG. 8. The shaver60 is shown used for facial shaving by a human female 81, and connectedto display unit 63 via cable 64. The lens 55 in the electric shaver 60captures the skin area shown as 82, and transmits it to be displayed asimage 83 in the display unit 63. The user can conveniently look at theimage 83 located in front of him, and easily and clearly track and seethe skin area to be shaved 82 and the shaving results.

While the invention has been exampled above with regard to humansshaving hair, it is apparent that the invention equally applies toanimals such as pets, wherein there is a need to shave or groom theirhair. Further, the invention can be equally applied to any scenariowherein skincare is employed, requiring touching or close proximity withthe skin to be treated, such as depilation or epilation. In those cases,a camera module such as module 31 shown in FIG. 3 (or module 121 shownin FIG. 12) is added in order to allow easy and convenient view of theskin area to be treated.

In one embodiment according to the invention, the electric shaver iscordless, thus untethered and fully portable. In such a configuration,the shaver is battery operated, thus powered from an internal batteryduring operation without the need to connect to a power source, such asAC power via a cord. Further, the image is transmitted over the airusing radio frequency, thus obviating the need for a cable or any otherconductor connecting the shaver and the display unit. It is apparent theradio communication of the image can be implemented also in the case ofAC powered (via cable) shaver.

A cordless electric shaver 90 is shown in FIG. 9, adapted from shaver 30in FIG. 3. The shaver 90 is powered during shaving solely from battery24, which may be a primary or secondary-rechargeable type. Therechargeable battery can be charged, while not powered, while still inthe shaver. The communication medium 37 (shown in FIG. 4) isover-the-air communication, using antenna 91 (serving as port 38)connected to wireless transceiver 92 (serving as transceiver 34).Similarly, display unit 40 shown in FIG. 4 is adapted to supportwireless communication. Wireless supporting display unit 100 in shown inFIG. 10, including an antenna 91 and wireless transceiver 92representing port 38 and transceiver 34 (shown in FIG. 4) respectively.A wireless system 110 is shown in FIG. 11, adapted from system 61 inFIG. 6, and comprising a wireless shaver 90 with antenna 91 a shown(representing antenna 91 in FIG. 9). The antenna 91 a is incommunication with antenna 91 b (corresponding to antenna 91 in FIG.10), which is part of display unit 100. As shown in system 110, there isno cable connecting between the shaver 90 and the display unit 100, thusavoiding the inconvenience associated with such cord. Various types ofantennas 91 (or any other radio ports) can be used. Among these are PCBprinted antennas, chip antennas, as well as panel and dome antennas.Furthermore, the antennas may be omni-directional or directional.Typically, the antennas are coupled using mating coaxial connectors,such as SMA, F-Type, N-Type and IPX, providing both the electricalconnection as well as the mechanical attachment. In many cases, theantenna connection allows for easy disconnection and connection by meansof snapping or screwing.

Any short-range wireless communication based on free-air propagation canbe used for communication between the wireless shaver 90 and the displayunit 100 in system 110. According to one embodiment of the invention, aWLAN communication link is used to interconnect two or more isolated(W)PAN (Wireless Personal Area Network) systems. The reach of a PAN istypically a few meters, hence such networks are confined to a limitedspace, such as in-room communication. IEEE 802.15 is the working groupof the IEEE 802, which specializes in Wireless PAN (WPAN) standards.Non-limiting examples of WPAN systems include:

-   -   a. Bluetooth, which according to IEEE 802.15.1 standard, for        example, operates over license-free ISM band at 2.45 GHz. An        ad-hoc network of computing devices using Bluetooth technology        protocols is known as piconet.    -   b. Ultra-Wide-band (UWB), which according to the IEEE 802.15.3        standard, for example, uses a wavelet (sometimes referred to as        wireless USB). UWB or impulse radio transmitters emit short        pulses approaching a Gaussian monocycle with tightly controlled        pulse-to-pulse intervals.    -   c. ZigBee, which according to IEEE 802.15.4 standard, for        example, offers low data rate and low power consumption.    -   d. IEEE 802.11a, commonly considered as WLAN (Wireless Local        Area Network), but since it works in 5 GHz spectrum its reach is        considerably limited, thus IEEE802.11a may also be considered as        WPAN.

In addition to above technologies, proprietary networking schemes mayalso be used for interconnecting the units. Further, the system 110 canmake use of WLAN technologies. Currently widespread WLAN technologies(e.g. WiFi) are based on IEEE 802.11 and include IEEE 802.11b, whichdescribes a communication using the 2.4 GHz frequency band andsupporting a communication rate of 11 Mb/s, IEEE 802.11a uses the 5 GHzfrequency band to carry 54 MB/s and IEEE 802.11g uses the 2.4 GHz bandto support 54 Mb/s. Other technologies based on WPAN. WLAN, WMAN, WAN,BWA, LMDS, MMDS, WiMAX, HIPERMAN, IEEE802.16, Bluetooth, IEEE802.15,UWB, ZigBee, cellular, IEEE802.11 standards, GSM, GPRS, 2.5G, 3G, UMTS,DCS, PCS and CDMA may be equally used. Wireless and wired technologiesused for home networking can equally be used.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11standard group, branded as WiFi by the Wi-Fi Alliance of Austin, Tex.USA. IEEE 802.11b describes a communication using the 2.4 GHz frequencyband and supporting communication rate of 11 Mb/s, IEEE 802.11a uses the5 GHz frequency band to carry 54 MB/s and IEEE 802.11g uses the 2.4 GHzband to support 54 Mb/s. This is described in an Intel White Paperentitled “54 Mbps IEEE 802.11 Wireless LAN at 2.4 GHz”, and a chip-setis described in an Agere Systems White Paper entitled “802.11 WirelessChip Set Technology White Paper”, both of these documents beingincorporated herein by reference. Such a 802.11 supporting transceiverblock 34 may be implemented using WaveLAN™ WL60040 Multimode WirelessLAN media Access Controller (MAC) from Agere Systems of Allentown, Pa.U.S.A., whose a product brief is incorporated herein by reference, whichis part of a full chip-set as described in WaveLAN™ 802.11a/b/g Chip Setdocument from Agere Systems of Allentown, Pa. U.S.A., which isincorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to themanufacturer's data sheet Agere Systems, WaveLAN™ WL60040 MultimodeWireless LAN Media Access Controller (MAC), Product Brief August 2003PB03-164WLAN, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Some wireless technologies, in particular microwave signals used in theWAN and MAN arenas, are using frequencies above 2-3 GHz where the radiopath is not reflected or refracted to any great extent. Propagation insuch frequencies requires a Line-of-Sight (LOS) relying on a line ofsight between the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna. Usingthis concept allows for NLOS (Non-LOS) wireless networks to interconnectover a LOS-based communication link. In addition, the wirelesstechnology implemented may use either licensed frequency bands orunlicensed frequency bands, such as the frequency bands utilized in theIndustrial, scientific and Medical (ISM) frequency spectrum. In the US,three of the bands within the ISM spectrum are the A band, 902-928 MHz;the B band, 2.4-2.484 GHz (referred to as 2.4 GHz); and the C band,5.725-5.875 GHz (referred to as 5 GHz). Overlapping and/or similar bandsare used in different regions such as Europe and Japan. Further,cellular technologies can also be used, commonly using licensedspectrum. Such digital technologies include GSM (Global System forMobile Communications), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), CDMA (CodeDivision Multiple Access), EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution),3GSM, DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications), Digital AMPS(per IS-136/TDMA, for example) and iDEN (Integrated Digital EnhancedNetwork). The service carried over the cellular network may be voice,video or digital data such as the recently introduced EVDO (EvolutionData Only). In one embodiment, a WirelessHD standard based wirelesscommunication is employed, which is based on the 7 GHz of continuousbandwidth around the 60 GHz radio frequency and allows for uncompressed,digital transmission.

Digital cameras utilizing wireless communication are disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 6,535,243 to Tullis entitled: “Wireless Hand-Held DigitalCamera”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,552,743 to Rissman entitled: “DigitalCamera-Ready Printer”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,788,332 to Cook entitled:“Wireless Imaging Device and System”, and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,159 toParulski et al. entitled: “Electronic camera system with programmabletransmission capability”, which are all incorporated in their entiretyfor all purposes as if fully set forth herein. A display system andmethod utilizing a cellular telephone having digital camera capabilityand a television linked directly over a UWB wireless signal is disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 7,327,385 to Yamaguchi entitled: “ Home Picture/VideoDisplay System with Ultra Wide-Band Technology”, which is incorporatedin its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

The advantage of using wireless communication is exampled as system 111in FIG. 11a , when compared to system 70 in FIG. 7. The shaver 90 isshown used for facial shaving by a human male 71, which is portable andnot tethered. Similarly, display unit 100 is not connected using anycable to the shaver, thus the need to use a cable 64 is obviated. Thelens 55 in the electric shaver 90 captures the skin area shown as 72,and transmits it wirelessly to be displayed as image 73 in the displayunit 100. The user can look at the display 100 located in front of him,and easily and clearly track and see the skin area to be shaved 72 andthe shaving results. Similarly, wireless operation is exampled for hairleg shaving of a female human as system 112 in FIG. 1 lb. The shaver 90is shown used for leg shaving by a human female 81, and a display unit100. The lens 55 in the electric shaver 90 captures the skin area shownas 82, and transmits it to be displayed as image 83 in the display unit100. The user can conveniently look at the display 100 located in frontof her, and easily and clearly track and see the skin area to be shaved82 and the shaving results, without the need for the cable 64 shown forsystem 80 in FIG. 8.

As described above, communication based on electromagnetic waves invarious parts of the electromagnetic spectrum can be used forcommunication. For example, low-frequency electromagnetic radiation canbe used to transmit audio-frequency signals over short distances withouta carrier. Radio-frequency transmission is a special case of thisgeneral electromagnetic transmission. As noted previously, light is alsoa special case of electromagnetic radiation, but is herein treatedseparately because of the characteristics of light are distinctlydifferent from those of electromagnetic transmission in other usableparts of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Non-wired communication accomplished by light, either visible ornon-visible light wavelength, can be used for the above transmission.The most popular is infrared (IR) based communication, but ultravioletmay also be used. Most such systems require substantially‘line-of-sight’ access. In such a system, the antenna 91 a in the shaver90 is replaced with light emitter (e.g. LEDs), and the antenna 91 b inthe display unit 100 will be replaced with light detectors (e.g.photoelectric cell), and the communication over the air relies on thepropagation of light.

Similarly, sound-based communication over space may be used, wherein thetransceivers 92 use microphones and speakers, and the communicationrelies on the propagation of sound waves through the air in the space.Either audible sound (20-20,000 Hz band), or inaudible sound(ultrasonic, above 20,000 Hz; or infrasonic, below 20 Hz) can be used.In this case, the antenna 91 will be substituted with a microphone or asimilar device converting the sound signal into an electrical signal,and a speaker or a similar device for generating the audio signal andtransmitting it to the air. A transducer combining into a single deviceboth the speaker and the microphone functionalities may also be used.Since these solutions do not require any physical connection, such ascable, they provide both ease-of-use and mobility. Such non-wiredsolutions are effective over short distances. Furthermore, most of thenon-wired solutions cannot easily pass through walls and other suchobstructions, owing to the attenuation to the signals. Hence, suchtechniques are suitable for communication within a single room, but arenot suitable for communication between the rooms of a home or otherbuilding.

FIG. 12 shows an electric shaver 120 according to one embodiment of theinvention having a camera module 121. Light sources 123 a and 123 b areshown connected to be power fed from the power supply 36. The lightsources 123 a and 123 b preferably are directed to illuminate theshaving area of the skin, and in particular the area captured andtransmitted via the camera module 121 thus allowing better visualizationfor the user in general, and aiding to the brightness and quality of theimage captured by lenses 39 a and 39 b and sensor 32, thus resulting ina better image displayed by the display unit 40. Further, suchillumination may be useful in the case of lack of external lightavailability while shaving. In one embodiment, a semiconductor lightsource such as a Light-Emitting-Diode (LED) is used, having small formfactor and high efficiency. However, any type of visible electric lightemitter such as a flashlight, an incandescent lamp and compactfluorescent lamps can be used. While FIG. 12 shows two such lightsources 123 a and 123 b, it is apparent that a single one can be used,as well as three or more such light sources. Further, an on/off switchcan be used to control the light sources 123 a and 123 b, eithertogether or individually, allowing the user to use the light only whenrequired.

A razor including lighting means is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application2008/0028616 to KWAK entitled: “Shaver with Lighting Means”. Electricshavers containing illumination means are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,871,402 to Bader et al. entitled: “Electrically driven Hair RemovalDevice”, and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,920,988 to Momose entitled: “ElectricShaver”, which are both incorporated in their entirety for all purposesas if fully set forth herein.

Electric shaver 120 is shown in FIG. 12 to only use the AC power via thepower supply 23, without the use of any battery. In this case, the ACplug 21 has to be plugged to an AC outlet to be powered therefrom duringthe shaver 120 operation. However, it is apparent that the batteryoperated device (either primary or rechargeable) can be equally used, asdescribed above. Further, shaver 120 in FIG. 12 is shown to have asingle on/off switch 25 for powering both the motor and associatedcutting mechanism and the camera module 121. However, it is apparentthat two such switches can be used, one dedicated to the shaver basicfunction only, while the other allows for the camera operation, thusproviding more flexibility to the user.

While the invention has been exampled above with regard to capturing asingle image using a single lens 39 and a single sensor 32, it isapparent that multiple images can be equally considered, using multipleimage capturing mechanisms. An example of two capturing mechanisms isshown for shaver 120 in FIG. 12. Lens 39 a and 39 b are respectivelyassociated with sensors 32 a and 32 b, which in turn respectivelyconnects to image processors 46 a and 46 b. In the case of whencompression function is used, the video compressors 33 a and 33 b,respectively, compress the data received from processors 46 a and 46 b.In one embodiment, two transceivers (each of the same as transceiver 34,for example) and two ports (each of the same type as port 38, forexample) are used. Further, two communication mediums (each similar orthe same as medium 37) can be employed, each carrying solely the imagecorresponding to the respective lens. Further, the same medium can beused using Frequency Division/Domain Multiplexing (FDM). In such anenvironment, each signal is carried in a dedicated frequency band,distinct from the other signals concurrently carried over the samemedium. The signals are combined onto the medium and separated from themedium using various filtering schemes, employed in the multiplexer 122.In another embodiment, the multiple images are carried using TimeDomain/Division Multiplexing (TDM), as exampled in FIG. 12. The digitaldata stream from the video compressors 33 a and 33 b is multiplexed intoa single stream by the multiplexer 122, serving as a time multiplexer.The combined signal is then fed to the single transceiver 34 fortransmitting onto the medium.

In both FDM and TDM schemes, a de-multiplexer is used in the displayunit 40, separating the streams and converting into images or videostreams to be displayed. Multiple displays (each same as display 45shown in FIG. 4) can be used, each displaying the respective imagescaptured. Alternatively, a single display 45 is used. In this case, theimages can then be displayed one at a time, or together in variouslocations over the screen as side-by-side. Further, the display unit 40may include an image processor for properly combining the separateimages to build one image containing all information.

Using two or more image capturing components can further be used toprovide stereoscopic video, allowing 3-D or any other stereoscopic viewof the content, or other methods of improving the displayed imagequality of functionality.

FIG. 13 shows various views of an example of an electric shaver 135(corresponding to shaver 120 in FIG. 12) according to one embodiment ofthe invention. View 132 is a front view of the shaver 135, view 131 is aside view and view 130 is a rear view of the shaver 135. View 133 is atop view of the foil 15, which is usually in contact with the skin andthe hair, and view 134 is a bottom view. The electric shaver 135 isshown as having lenses 55 a, 55 b, 55 c and 55 d respectively based inlenses housings 56 a, 56 b, 56 c and 56 d, each in a separate wall ofthe casing. Light sources (e.g. LEDs) 123 a and 123 b, respectivelyseated in housings 136 a and 136 b, are also shown on the wide sides ofthe casing, respectively adjacent to Lens bases 56 a and 56 b.

While the invention has been exampled above with regard to capturing,transmitting and displaying a visible image, it is apparent that anon-visible spectrum can be equally used, such as infrared andultraviolet. In such a configuration, the infrared image is captured,and is converted to a visible image on the display. For example, suchtechnique can be used to easily distinguish the skin and the hair, asthey are having different temperature and thus distinct infraredsignature. In such a system, the sensor 32 is sensitive to thenon-visible part of the light spectrum (e.g. infrared), and the lightemitters 123 a and 123 b are illuminating using the corresponding lightspectrum, such as infrared light sources.

Powerline communication is known in the art for using the AC power wiresin a building for digital data communication. Traditional approaches topowerline communication (e.g., home or office) include applications suchas control of lighting and appliances, as well as sending data orbroadband data, video or audio. Powerline command communication systemsinclude for example X-10, CEBus (Consumer Electronics Bus per EIA-600standard), and Lonworks.

The HomePlug organization is an industry trade group for powerlinecommunication including various entities to define powerlinecommunication specifications. HomePlug 1.0 is a specification for a homenetworking technology that connects devices to each other through powerlines in a home. HomePlug certified products connect PCs and otherdevices that use Ethernet, USB, and 802.11. Many devices made byalliance members have HomePlug built in and connect to a network uponplugging the device into a wall socket in a home with other HomePlugdevices. Signal interference, from surge protectors, extension cords,outlet strips and/or other proximately located devices, including thehigh-frequency signals, is an on-going concern of the HomePlug alliance.Similarly, HomePlug AV (HPAV) is a new generation of technology from theHomePlug Powerline Alliance. HPAV can be for example embedded inconsumer electronics or computing products, and provides high-quality,multi-stream, entertainment-oriented networking over existing AC wiring.Users can avoid having to install new wires in their premises by usingdevices having built-in HomePlug technology. HPAV uses advanced PHY andMAC technologies that provide a 200 Mbps (million bits per second) classpowerline network for inter alia video, audio and data. The Physical(PHY) Layer utilizes this 200 Mbps channel rate to provide a 150 Mbpsinformation rate to provide communications over noisy power linechannels. As used herein, the terms “powerline” and “powerlinecommunications” refer to any technology that is used to transfer data orsignals over a power distribution system, including without limitationUPB, HomePlug, HomePlug a/v, and X-10 technologies. As used herein, theterm “UPB” or Universal Powerline Bus refers to one exemplary instanceof technologies which impose digital or analog signals or pulses onto ACwaveforms or DC power delivery systems, such as for example the wellknown UPB approach set forth in “Universal Powerline Bus: The UPB SystemDescription”, Version 1.1 dated Sep. 19, 2003, incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. Lastly, the term “HomePlug” as used herein ismeant specifically to include devices and systems compliant with theHomePlug.TM. Powerline Alliance Specification for powerline-based homenetworks (including the more recent HomePlug A/V), and generally toinclude all other comparable devices adapted for powerline networking.

In one embodiment according to the invention, powerline communication isused for the interconnection between the electric shaver and the displayunit, such as HomePlug based communication. One advantage in such aconfiguration is that only a single power cable is used, carrying boththe AC power and the communication signal. Such a shaver 140 is shown inFIG. 14. A low pass filter 141 is disposed between the AC power plug 21and the power supply 23, for passing only the AC power signal, such asthe 50 Hz or the 60 Hz. Such a low pass filter 141 also stops andexhibits high impedance in the digital data frequency band, thusreducing impedance loading at this frequency band. Transceiver 34 ofFIG. 12 is replaced with a powerline modem, connected to the AC powerwires via a high pass filter 142, which passes only the digital datafrequency band, hence allowing only the digital data signal to pass,while stopping the AC power. If HomePlug technology is used, the modemis a HomePlug compliant modem, and the communication (physical layer andhigher protocol layers) is implemented according to the HomePlugspecification standard. As an example, such modem can be based onINT6000 ‘HomePlug AV High-Speed Powerline Solution’ available fromIntellon Corporation, headquartered in Orlando, Fla., U.S.A.

Similarly, display unit 150, shown in FIG. 15, is also adapted tosupport powerline communication, in order to communicate with a matingelectric shaver 140 of FIG. 14. Low pass filter 141 is added between theAC power plug 21 and the power supply 44. The transceiver 34 is replacedwith a powerline modem, connected to the AC power wires via high passfilter 142, which passes only the digital data frequency band, henceallowing only the digital data signal to pass, while stopping the ACpower. If HomePlug technology is used, the modem is a HomePlug compliantmodem, and the communication (physical layer and higher protocol layers)is implemented according to the HomePlug specification standard.

An illustration of a powerline based system is shown as system 160 inFIG. 16. The shaver 140 is AC power fed from a mains outlet 163 a, viaplug-in unit 162 a and cord 161 a. The plug-in components 162 a can bejust an AC power plug 21 and the cord may be power cable 22 disclosedabove. Alternatively, part or all of power supplies 23 and 36 can alsobe integrated into the plug in device 162 a. Similarly, the display unit150 is AC power fed from a mains outlet 163 b, via plug-in unit 162 band cord 161 b. The plug-in component 162 b can be just an AC power plug21 and the cord may be power cable 22 disclosed above. Alternatively,part or all of power supplies 23 and 36 can also be integrated into theplug in device 162 b. While the shaver 140 and the display unit 150 arefed via the AC power system, the AC power wiring is also used as thecommunication medium as described above, obviating the need foradditional cables to be connected between those devices.

In one embodiment of a non-conductive network medium, a fiber opticcable is used. In such a case, transceiver 34 is a fiber optictransceiver, and similarly port 38 is a fiber optic connector. As such,the term ‘wiring’ and ‘cable’ in this application should be interpretedto include networks based on non-conductive medium such as fiber-opticscabling.

In one embodiment, exampled in FIG. 6, a dedicated cable 64 is connectedbetween the electric shaver 60 and the display unit 63. The cable 64serves as the wired communication medium 37, connected to via aconnector serving as the port 38. Such wired medium 37 may be a UTP,STP, coaxial cable, a telephone wire pair, a CATV coaxial cable, ACpower wire pair and LAN cable, such as Category 5 or Category 6. Asuitable connector 38 may be used for connecting to the specific type ofthe wired medium, such as a coaxial connector for connecting to acoaxial cable and a telephone connector for connecting to a telephonewire pair. The wired medium may be a single non-used twisted-pair in aLAN cable, or two such pairs connected in parallel. In another aspect ofthe present invention, the wired medium is using a phantom channelformed between two wire pairs, such as two twisted wire pairs in a LANcable used in Ethernet 10BaseT, 100BaseTX or 1000BaseT. Similarly, anyPAN, LAN, MAN or WAN wiring may be used as the wired medium.

Further, transceiver 34 is adapter to be a wired modem or a wiredtransceiver suitable for transmitting and receiving over the appropriatewiring used. The communication over such cable can be proprietary orpreferably using an industry standard communication, wherein theconnections of the shaver and of the display unit to the cable are basedon standard connectors and interfaces. The communication may be based ona parallel scheme, wherein multiple wires are used to concurrently carrythe digital data, thus allowing a higher transfer rate of theinformation. In an alternative embodiment, serial communication is used,allowing for few conductors to be used and smaller footprint connectorsrequiring the usage of less pins and contacts. Various standard PAN(Personal Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network) and LAN (Local AreaNetwork) protocols can be used. In one embodiment, standard LAN (LocalArea Network) is used, such as Ethernet IEEE802.3 10BaseT, 100Base TX or1000BaseT. In such a case the transceiver 34 is Ethernet PHY (i.e.Ethernet physical layer or Ethernet transceiver) that can be implementedbased on “LAN83C180 10/100 Fast Ethernet PHY Transceiver” or “LAN91C11110/100 Non-PCI Ethernet Single Chip MAC+PHY” available fromSMSC—Standard Microsystems Corporation of Hauppauge, N.Y. U.S.A. Whilethis function can be implemented by using a single dedicated component,in many embodiments this function is integrated into a single componentincluding other functions, such as handling higher layers. Thetransceiver 34 may also contains isolation magnetic components (e.g.transformer-based), balancing components, surge protection hardware, anda port 38 is a LAN connector (commonly RJ-45) required for providing aproper and standard interface via connector 34. In one embodiment,standard cabling is used, such as standard LAN cabling. For example,Category 5 cabling (‘structured wiring’) or any other wiring accordingto EIT/TIA-568 and EIA/TIA-570 can be used. Such LAN cabling involveswire pairs that may be UTP or SIT. Similarly, category 3, 4, 5e, 6, 6eand 7 cables may be equally used. Such configuration is described, forexample, in EIT/TIA-568 and EIA/TIA-570. It will be appreciated that anywired interface, other than Ethernet 10/100BaseT described above, beingproprietary or standard, packet or synchronous, serial or parallel, maybe equally used, such as IEEE1394, USB (Universal Serial Bus),EIA/TIA-232, PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect), PCMCIA (PersonalComputer Memory Card international Association), or IEEE1284, but notlimited to the aforementioned. Furthermore, multiple such interfaces(being of the same type or mixed) may also be used.

A tethered portable electronic camera connectable to a computer isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,402,170 to Parulski et al. entitled:“Hand-Manipulated Electronic Camera Tethered to a Personal Computer”.Electric shavers comprising illumination means are disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 6,871,402 to Bader et al. entitled: “Electrically driven HairRemoval Device”, and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,920,988 to Momose entitled:“Electric Shaver”, which are both incorporated in their entirety for allpurposes as if fully set forth herein. A digital electronic camera whichcan accept various types of input/output cards or memory cards isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,432,952 to Fukuoka entitled: “Digital ImageCapturing Device having an Interface for Receiving a Control Program”,and the use of a disk drive assembly for transferring images out of anelectronic camera is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,138,459 to Roberts etal., entitled: “Electronic Still Video Camera with Direct PersonalComputer (PC) Compatible Digital Format Output”, which are bothincorporated in their entirety for all purposes as if fully set forthherein.

While the invention has been described above with the goal of faithfullydisplaying the image captured by the lens in the display, theavailability of the image as a digital data allows for processing to aidin the user shaving experience. In one embodiment, image processing isemployed, such as digital image processing and other techniques applyingvarious computer algorithms to the image captured and represented as atwo-dimensional signal data. The results can be provided to the user invarious ways, such as to be presented on the display of the displayunit.

In one digital image processing feature, the individual hairs aredetected and identified. Such ‘hair recognition’ can make use of thedifferent colors or brightness of the hair versus the skin. For example,a black colored hair can be identified and recognized over a light-color(e.g. white) skin. Further, pattern recognition algorithms can be usedbased on the characteristic of the hair, such as being long and havingstraight or curled pattern. A camera with human face detection means isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,940,545 to Ray et al., entitled: “FaceDetecting Camera and Method”, which is incorporated in its entirety forall purposes as if fully set forth herein.

An example of image processing feature is shown in FIG. 17. View 170shows the display before any processing, with the goal of faithfullyreflecting the situation on the skin to be shaved or re-shaved. Severalindividual hairs are shows as 172 a, 172 b and 172 c, which need to beshortened or cut as part of the shaving (for example, due to being toolong). The ‘hair recognition’ image processing algorithms identify theindividual hair that needs to be shaved, and marks them on the screen ofthe display unit, allowing the user easy identification of places andlocations that need to be shaved. Such view 171 is shown, wherein theindividual hairs are marked by a circle around them, such as circles 182a, 182 b, 182 c and 182 d, or alternatively as bolded and thickerobjects shown as 183 a, 183 b, 183 c and 183 d.

In one embodiment, the image processing is used to suggest areas thatrequire shaving or re-shaving. FIG. 18 shows a view 180 captured anddisplayed, wherein the right side contains hair that need to be removed,while the left side 173 shows no hair to be cut. The algorithm willidentify and mark the area to be shaved so it can be easily identifiedby the user, and this may be presented on the screen of the display unitas colored area 184 shown in view 181.

Another feature that may be used is the zooming functionality, which isknown in the art for cameras. The zoom functions allow for decreasing ornarrowing of the apparent angle of a view, thus allowing scaling up theimage size and magnifying for better view of a smaller area. Amechanical or optical zoom is obtained by varying the focal length usinga mechanical assembly for physically moving the lens or lenses asrequired. On one embodiment, a small motor is used for moving the lens.Such a motor is added to shaver 30, power fed from the power supply 36,and driving and adjusting the camera optics as required for gainingoptical resolution.

In an alternative embodiment, digital zoom is used, wherein nomechanical moving or camera optics are required, but rather, imageprocessing techniques and algorithms are used to resize the displayedsmaller area over the display. Interpolation is commonly required aspart of the image processing. An example of zoom functionality is shownin FIG. 19, showing an original (pre-zoom) view 190, with an area ofinterest shown as 191. After the zoom operation, the former area 192 isscaled to fit the whole display area.

Digital (or electronic) zoom as well as other image processingfunctionalities (such as hair recognition described above) can beimplemented by a separate processor located in the electric shaver 30 orin the display unit 40, wherein the processor in disposed in the imagedata flow, or as a replacement to the video compressor 33 or videocompressor 41. Further, the required functionalities may be used by twoimage processors, one in the shaver 30 and one in the display unit 40.Alternatively, the image processing can be integrating within the imageprocessor 46, or as part of the display interface 42, or in both. In oneexample, the zoom control by the user is being part of the shaver 30, asshown by the sliding switch 59 as part of view 50 in FIG. 5.Alternatively, or in addition, the zoom control by the user can make useof buttons or other controls implemented as part of the display unit.

Video is known also as the technology of electronically capturing,recording, processing, storing, transmitting and reconstructing asequence of still images representing scenes in motion. Most videocameras (camcorders) have the capability of capturing and storing asingle (still) picture. Such functionality can also be beneficial in thesystem above, wherein a user operated button ‘FREEZE’ shown as 58 inFIG. 5, being part of the user interface 47, can be used to take asingle shot to get a momentary image to be stored and displayed in thedisplay unit. Such still image allows the user to carefully analyze theimage that is frozen and unchanged.

In addition to the ‘zoom’ and ‘freeze’ features described above, manyother features and user controls used in digital still cameras and invideo cameras (camcorders) can be used in the system according to theinvention. For example automatic mode-level, auto focus, exposurecompensation, white balance level, manual focus and aperture control.Other exemplary controls involve specific display settings such ascontrast, brightness and zoom.

User control regarding activating these features or controlling thefeatures can be done using buttons and switches. Implementing thesefunctions can be solely within the shaver, solely within the displayunit or split between both devices. In one embodiment, the user controlin the form of buttons and switches on the shaver itself, as part ofuser interface 47 and managed by the controller 35. In the case that thefunction is implemented in hardware or software, which are in full or inpart executed in the display unit, the communication channel over thecommunication medium 37 is used to transmit the proper signals to thedisplay unit. Further, these control data can be multiplexed and sentwith the image digital data, using the same transceiver 34. Similarly,the user control in the form of buttons and switches and/or touch screencan be located on the display unit, as part of user interface 48 andmanaged by the controller 43. In the case that the function isimplemented in hardware or software, which are in full or in partexecuted in the electric shaver unit, the communication channel over thecommunication medium 37 is used to transmit the proper signals to thedisplay unit. Further, the control data can be multiplexed and sent withthe image digital data, using the same transceiver 34. Further, some ofthe control can be in the shaver and some in the display unit.

The mechanical movement of the cutters 28 and the spinning of the motor26, added to the general inherent stability caused by the human holdingthe shaver, may induce instability causing the display image to move andbe instable, thus effecting the displaying quality and burdening theuser looking at the image on the display. In one embodiment, the opticalsection of the shaver, which includes the lens 39 and sensor 32, aremounted to the frame or the shaver using vibration isolators orvibration suppressors, to reduce the vibration effect on the capturedimage. In another embodiment, various digital image techniques are usedto stabilize the displayed image, such as by filtering and other knownimage processing techniques. Improving the vibration generated by themechanical system may also aid to reduce the effect on the opticalsystem thus improving the user experience.

Other image processing functions may include adjusting color balance,gamma and luminance, filtering pattern noise, filtering noise usingWiener filter, changing zoom factors, recropping, applying enhancementfilters, applying smoothing filters, applying subject-dependent filters,and applying coordinate transformations. Other enhancements in the imagedata may include applying mathematical algorithms to generate greaterpixel density or adjusting color balance, contrast and/or luminance.

While the invention has been exampled above with regard to a separatedshaver and display unit, it will be appreciated that the inventionequally applies to the case wherein the shaver further includes thedisplay unit, either as a substitute or added to the separated displayunit. FIG. 20 shows a block diagram of a shaver 200 integrally includinga camera and a display module 201. The digital representation of theimage captured from the image processor 46 is fed directly to thedisplay interface 42 and then to the display 45, which provides imagevisualization. The control function 35, the user interface 47 and thepower supply 36 need to be adapted to support the added functionality ofthe display unit.

An example of a physical view of the shaver 200 is shown as shaver 210in FIG. 21, adapted from FIG. 5. FIG. 21 shows various views of anexample of the electric shaver 210 according to one embodiment of theinvention. View 213 is a front view of the shaver 210, view 212 is aside view, and view 211 is a rear view of the shaver 210. View 214 is atop view of the foil 15, which is usually in contact with the skin andthe hair, and view 215 is a bottom view showing connector 18 forconnecting to a power source. The display 45 is shown attached and as anintegral part of the shaver enclosure. In one embodiment, the displaycan be folded, for example in order to allow small packaging and smallspace for storing. The display 45 is shown folded in views 220 in FIG.22.

In the cases wherein a conductive medium, such as a dedicated cable, isused as the communication medium 37, it may be preferred to use the samecable to concurrently carry power between the shaver and the displayunit, thus obviating the need for two cables, one for providing powerand one for communication purposes. In one embodiment, the display unitis adapted to drive power to the cable for powering the electric shaver.Such power can be used only for powering the camera module and relatedfunctionalities, or for fully powering the electric shaver, includingits motor 26 driving the cutters 28. A display unit 230 adapted tosupply power over the cable is shown in FIG. 23. A power/data combinerunit is disposed, connected between the transceiver 34 and the powersupply 44. The power from the power supply 44 required to power theshaver is fed to the combiner 232 through the connection 233. Thecommunication signal to or from the transceiver 34 is also connected tothe combiner 232. The power signal and the digital data communicationsignal are combined by the combiner 232 and the combined signal iscoupled to the cable via a connector 231.

A corresponding electric shaver 240 is shown as shaver 240 in FIG. 24.Connector 243 is used to connect to the cable carrying both power andcommunication signals. The incoming power is separated by the power/datasplitter 244 and fed to the power supply 242 in the camera module 241.The power/data splitter 244 serves as the mating and complementary unitfor the combiner 232. The power supply 242 is adapted to power both themotor 26 (via the battery 24, if required, or otherwise directly withoutany battery in between) and the camera module 241 from the power signalcarried over the cable. The power/data splitter is further operating totransparently pass the communication signal between the cable (viaconnector 243) and the transceiver 34.

An exemplary system 250 is shown in FIG. 25. A single cable 251 is shownto connect between the display unit 230 and the electric shaver 240described above, carrying both power and digital data signals. Thedisplay unit 230 is AC power fed via cable 161 b connected to AC poweroutlet 163 via a connector or plug-in power supply 162. Further, the ACpower connection is also used to power the electric shaver 240 via cable251, shown connecting the shaver 240 via connector 243 and to theconnector 231 in the display unit 230. Hence, only a single cable 251 isconveniently connected to the shaver 240.

In one embodiment according to the invention, the power andcommunication signals are carried over the single cable 251 usingseparated and dedicated conductors. For example, cable 251 may includefour distinct wires, out of which two (or more) are used for carryingthe communication signal, while the other two wires are used to carrythe power signal from the display unit 230 to the shaver 240. In suchconfiguration, specific hardware for implementing the combiner 232 andthe splitter 244 may not be required, since power connection will makeuse of separate pins and contacts in the connectors 231 and 243, whilethe communication signal will use distinct and different pins.

In an alternative embodiment, the power and communication signals arecarried over the wires in the cable using Frequency DivisionMultiplexing (FDM, a.k.a. Frequency Domain Multiplexing). In suchimplementation, the power and the communications signals are carriedeach in its frequency band (or a single frequency) distinct from eachother. For example, the power signal can be a DC (Direct Current) power(effectively 0 Hz), while the communication signal is carried over the100 Hz-10 MHz (or 4-30 MHz) frequency band, which is distinct and abovethe DC power frequency. In one example, a relatively high voltage suchas a 120 VDC can be used in order to compensate for the wiringresistance caused voltage drops. In some installations, safety standardssuch as UL/IEC 60950 and EN60950 may limit the voltage level in manyapplications to 60 VDC. A telephony common 48 VDC voltage level may alsobe used.

Similarly, AC power signal may be used, such as 50 Hz or 60 Hz. Commonlythe combiner 232 and splitter 244 in such environment are implementedusing set of filters. For example, a low pass filter (LPF) similar tofilter 141 described above can be used in the power path, connecting thecable to the power supply 44 or 242, passing only the DC power orlow-frequency AC signals. An high pass filter (HPF) similar to filter142 described above can be used in the communication path, connectingthe cable to the transceiver 34 in both the shaver 240 and the displayunit 230.

Another technique for carrying power and data signals over the sameconductors is known as Power over Ethernet (PoE) (i.e., Power overLAN-PoL) and standardized under IEEE802.3af and IEEE802.3at, alsoexplained in U.S. Pat. No. 6,473,608 to Lehr et al. titled: “StructureCabling System”, which describes a method to carry power over LANwiring, using the spare pairs and the phantom mechanism. The lattermakes use of center-tap transformers. The powering scheme describedabove may use this standard as well as using non-standard proprietarypowering schemes. In one example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) connectionis used for both power and digital data.

While the invention has been exampled above with regard to the casewherein the electric shaver is powered from the display unit via theinterconnecting cable carrying the communication signal, it is apparentthat equally the power can be fed from the electric shaver to thedisplay unit. In this case the splitter 244 and the combiner 232 will beswitched with each other, so that combiner 244 will be disposed withinthe display unit 230 (as a substitute to combiner 232), and the combiner232 will be disposed within the electric shaver 240 (as a substitute tosplitter 244). The power supplied will be adapted accordingly.

While the invention has been exampled above with regard to processing,compressing and decompressing, transmitting, receiving and displayingthe image in a represented as a digital data, it will be appreciatedthat the invention equally applies to the case wherein the image is infull or in part of the system is carried, processed, compressed anddecompressed, transmitted, received and displayed as analog videosignal. In the case of an analog transmission, the transceiver 34 willbe an analog transceiver and the image will be carried in an analog formover the communication medium 37. Similar to the above disclosure, insuch a case the communication can be wireless through the air such asusing radio-frequency, or over metallic medium such as wires.

The camera module 31 or the display unit 40 may include visualindicators for allowing the user to easily observe the module status.Such indicators may be LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) known in the art, andare coupled to be controlled by the control 35 in the shaver 30 or bythe control 43 in the display unit 40, and can further be part of userinterface functionality 47 or 48. The visual indicators may be used toindicate the following module status:

a. Power. The visual indicator may be used to indicate the existence ofpower in the module to power its internal active circuits. Varioustechniques have been described above for powering a module. Regardlessof the power source to the module (as described above), such indicationwill ensure that indeed power reaches the module. Such indication iscommonly marked as ‘POWER’ or ‘ON’. The indicator can be coupleddirectly to the power signal feeding the module or alternatively coupledto the power supply output. In the latter case, the indicator is used toindicate both the power signal availability and the proper operation ofthe internal power supply 36 or 44.

b. Proper operation. A visual indicator may also be used to indicate theproper operation of part or all of the electronic circuits integratedwithin the module. The electronic circuits within the module may supportself-test or any other built-in diagnostics means, wherein the testresults will be signaled by a visual indicator.

c. Communication status. In the case wherein the module usescommunication functionality, the module may indicate the availabilityand the status of the communication. In general, two communication linksmay be involved. One communication link refers to the availability of adata communication signal over the communication medium 37 so as toindicate that transceiver 34 receives a valid communication signal. Theother communication link involves the communication between the shaverand the display unit. Such status indication can be based on a ‘LinkPulse’ mechanism commonly used in Ethernet IEEE802.3 10/100BaseT basednetworks.

The above various states may be each represented by a single dedicatedsingle-state indicator. However, in order to reduce complexity, knowntechniques are commonly used in order to combine signals. Suchtechniques may use different colors (of the same indicator), differentintensity levels, variable duty-cycle and so forth. While visualindicators have been described, other indicating methods may be usedsuch as audible tones (as stand alone or combined with visual).

While the invention has been exampled above with regard to displayingthe captured image on a dedicated display, it will be appreciated thatthe invention equally applies to the case wherein the standard displaysare used. In one embodiment, the electric shaver outputs a standardvideo signal, which can be displayed using any displaying device thatsupports this video interface. For example, a standard television setcan be as a display apparatus. In this case, the transceiver 234 andconnector 38 are adapted to output this standard video signal. Suchanalog interfaces can be composite video such as NTSC, PAL or SECAMformats. Similarly, analog RGB, VGA (Video Graphics Array), SVGA (SuperVideo Graphics Array), SCART, S-video and other standard analoginterfaces can be used. Further, personal computer monitors, plasma orflat panel displays, CRT, DLP display or a video projector may beequally used. Connector 38 will be implemented as suitable standardanalog video connector. For example, F-Type, BNC (BayonetNeill-Concelman), RCA, and similar RF/coax connectors can be used. Anelectric shaver 260 is shown in FIG. 26, including F-Type connector 261for connecting to a standard analog video displaying device. In oneembodiment, a standard digital video interface is used. In this case,the transceiver 34 and connector 38 are adapted to support the digitalvideo interface. In one example, a IEEE1394 interface, also known asFireWire.TM., is used, as shown for electric shaver 270 is shown in FIG.27, including an IEEE1394 connector 271 for connecting to a standarddigital video displaying device. Other digital interfaces that can beused are USB, SDI (Serial Digital Interface), FireWire, HDMI(High-Definition Multimedia Interface), DVI (Digital Visual Interface),UDI (Unified Display Interface), DisplayPort, Digital Component Videoand DVB (Digital Video Broadcast).

While the invention has been exampled above with regard to electricshaver, it will be appreciated that the invention equally applies tonon-electric shavers such as razors.

While the invention has been exampled above with regard to shavers andother hair removal devices, it will be appreciated that the inventionequally applies to oral hygiene devices such as toothbrush. In the caseof electrical toothbrush, the cutter mechanism 28 is replaced with abrushing mechanism. Such a device helps in better visualization of themouth cavity, and in particular of the brushed teeth and gums.

All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in thisspecifications are herein incorporated by reference as if eachindividual publication, patent, or patent application were specificallyand individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forthin its entirety herein.

Those of skill in the art will understand that the various illustrativelogical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with theembodiments disclosed herein may be implemented in any number of waysincluding electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations ofboth. The various illustrative components, blocks, modules and circuitshave been described generally in terms of their functionality. Whetherthe functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends uponthe particular application and design constraints imposed on the overallsystem. Skilled artisans recognize the interchangeability of hardwareand software under these circumstances, and how best to implement thedescribed functionality for each particular application.

Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed, this should not be construed to limit the scope of theappended claims. Those skilled in the art will understand thatmodifications may be made to the described embodiments. Moreover, tothose skilled in the various arts, the invention itself herein willsuggest solutions to other tasks and adaptations for other applications.It is therefore desired that the present embodiments be considered inall respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being madeto the appended claims rather than the foregoing description to indicatethe scope of the invention.

It will be appreciated that the aforementioned features and advantagesare presented solely by way of example. Accordingly, the foregoingshould not be construed or interpreted to constitute, in any way, anexhaustive enumeration of features and advantages of embodiments of thepresent invention.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by theappended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changesthat come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims areto be embraced within their scope.

Public Notice Regardong the Scope of the Invention and Claims

While the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodimentsand generally associated methods, the inventor contemplates thatalterations and permutations of the preferred embodiments and methodswill become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of thespecification and a study of the drawings.

Accordingly, neither the above description of preferred exemplaryembodiments nor the abstract defines or constrains the invention.Rather, the issued claims variously define the invention. Each variationof the invention is limited only by the recited limitations of itsrespective claim, and equivalents thereof, without limitation by otherterms not present in the claim. In addition, aspects of the inventionare particularly pointed out in the claims using terminology that theinventor regards as having its broadest reasonable interpretation; themore specific interpretations of 35 U.S.C. section.112 (6) are onlyintended in those instances where the term “means” is actually recited.The words “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended asopen-ended terminology, with the same meaning as if the phrase “atleast” were appended after each instance thereof.

1. An oral hygiene device, for use with a wireless network, comprising:a toothbrush for brushing teeth surface; a sensor for generating anoutput in response to a physical phenomenon; an first antenna forcoupling to the wireless network using Radio-Frequency (RF) waves; afirst wireless transceiver coupled between the first antenna and thesensor for transmitting a first data that is responsive to the sensoroutput over the wireless network; a rechargeable battery for poweringthe sensor, the toothbrush, and the first wireless transceiver; and anhandheld casing housing the rechargeable battery, the toothbrush, thesensor, the first antenna, and the first wireless transceiver.
 2. Theoral hygiene device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless networkuses license-free industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radiofrequency band.
 3. The oral hygiene device according to claim 2, whereinthe ISM radio frequency band consists of, or comprises, 902-928 MHz,2.4-2.484 GHz, or 5, 725-5.875 GHz.
 4. The oral hygiene device accordingto claim 1, wherein the wireless network is a Wireless Personal AreaNetwork (WPAN), the first antenna consists of, or comprises, a WPANantenna and the first wireless transceiver consists of, or comprises, aWPAN transceiver.
 5. The oral hygiene device according to claim 4,wherein the WPAN is using, is according to, or is compatible with,Bluetooth that is based on, is according to, or is compatible with, IEEE802.15.1.
 6. The oral hygiene device according to claim 1, wherein thewireless network is a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), the firstantenna consists of, or comprises, a WLAN antenna and the first wirelesstransceiver consists of, or comprises, a WLAN transceiver.
 7. The oralhygiene device according to claim 6, wherein the WLAN is using, isaccording to, or is compatible with, WiFi that is based on, is accordingto, or is compatible with, IEEE 802.11, IEEE802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, orIEEE 802.11g standard.
 8. The oral hygiene device according to claim 1,in combination with a display device that communicates with the oralhygiene device over the wireless network, the display device comprising:a second antenna for coupling to the wireless network usingRadio-Frequency (RF) waves; a second wireless transceiver coupled to thesecond antenna for receiving the first data from the oral hygiene deviceover the wireless network; a display component having a screen fordisplaying data, the display is coupled to the second wirelesstransceiver for displaying information in response to the received firstdata; and an enclosure housing the second antenna, the second wirelesstransceiver, and the display component.
 9. The combination according toclaim 8, wherein the sensor comprises a digital camera for capturing animage, wherein the first data comprises the captured image, and whereinthe display device is operative to display the captured image on thescreen of the display component.
 10. The combination according to claim9, wherein the display component is operative for freezing or zoomingthe captured image on the screen of the display component.
 11. Thecombination according to claim 9, wherein the oral hygiene device or thedisplay device further comprises an image processor, for processing thecaptured image.
 12. The combination according to claim 11, wherein theimage processor is operative to identify an element in the capturedimage, and to display the captured image having the identified elementis marked by the display component.
 13. The combination according toclaim 8, wherein the display component is operative to visualize a mouthcavity, teeth, or gums.
 14. The combination according to claim 8,wherein the enclosure is a portable or handheld enclosure, and whereinthe screen is a flat screen that uses, or is based on, Liquid CrystalDisplay (LCD) or Thin-Film Transistor (TFT), or Field Emission Display(FED).
 15. The combination according to claim 14, wherein the displaydevice consists of, or comprises, a cellular telephone operative for acellular communication.
 16. The combination according to claim 15,wherein the cellular communication that is based on, using, or iscompatible with, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), GeneralPacket Radio Service (GPRS), 2.5 Generation (2.5G), Third Generation(3G), Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Digital EnhancedCordless Telecommunications (DECT), iDEN (Integrated Digital enhancedNetwork), or Code Division Multiple Access (DCMA).
 17. The oral hygienedevice according to claim 1, wherein the toothbrush further comprises abrushing mechanism coupled to a motion actuator for moving at least partof the brushing mechanism.
 18. The oral hygiene device according toclaim 17, wherein the motion actuator comprises, or consists of, anelectric motor.
 19. The oral hygiene device according to claim 1,further comprising in the casing a light source powered by therechargeable battery for providing an illumination.
 20. The oral hygienedevice according to claim 19, wherein the light source is mounted forillumination of at least part of the teeth surface.
 21. The oral hygienedevice according to claim 19, wherein the light source consists of, orcomprises, a LED (Light Emitting Diode).
 22. The oral hygiene deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the sensor consists of, or comprises, adigital camera for capturing an image of the teeth surface or of a mouthcavity.
 23. The oral hygiene device according to claim 22, wherein thedigital camera comprises an optical lens for focusing received lightmechanically oriented to focus the image of at least part of the teethsurface; and wherein the sensor comprises, or consists of, aphotosensitive image sensor array disposed approximately at an imagefocal point plane of the optical lens for capturing the image, andwherein the first data comprises the captured image.
 24. The oralhygiene device according to claim 23, wherein the image sensorcomprises, is using, or is based on, Charge-Coupled Devices (CCD) orComplementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS).
 25. The oral hygienedevice according to claim 23, wherein the image sensor is operative tocapture images in a non-visible spectrum.
 26. The oral hygiene deviceaccording to claim 25, wherein the non-visible spectrum is in aninfrared or ultraviolet spectrum.
 27. The oral hygiene device accordingto claim 22, wherein the digital camera is a video digital camera thatproduces a digital data video, and wherein the first data comprises thedigital data video in a digital video format.
 28. The oral hygienedevice according to claim 27, wherein the digital video format uses, oris based on, one out of: TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), RAW format,AVI, DV, MOV, WMV, MP4, DCF (Design Rule for Camera Format), ITU-TH.261, ITU-T H.263, ITU-T H.264, ITU-T CCIR 601, ASF, Exif (ExchangeableImage File Format) and DP*OF (Digital Print Order Format) standards. 29.The oral hygiene device according to claim 27, further comprising in thecasing a video compressor coupled between the video digital camera andthe first wireless transceiver for compressing the digital data video,and wherein the first data comprises compressed digital data video, andwherein the compression is based on intraframe or interframe compressionand is lossy or non-lossy.
 30. The oral hygiene device according toclaim 29, wherein the compression is based on a standard compressionalgorithm that JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), MPEG (MovingPicture Experts Group), ITU-T H.261, ITU-T H.263, ITU-T H.264, or ITU-TCCIR 601.